Langimage
English

deductively

|de-duc-tive-ly|

C1

/dɪˈdʌktɪvli/

(deductive)

reasoning from general to specific

Base FormAdverb
deductivedeductively
Etymology
Etymology Information

'deductive' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'deductivus,' where 'de-' meant 'down from' and 'ducere' meant 'to lead.'

Historical Evolution

'deductivus' transformed into the French word 'déductif,' and eventually became the modern English word 'deductive' through Middle English.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'to lead down from,' and over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'reasoning from general to specific.'

Meanings by Part of Speech

Adverb 1

in a manner that involves reasoning from general principles to specific instances.

The scientist approached the problem deductively, starting with a general theory.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/05/18 09:52